Now it was Ruby’s turn to take a deep breath. Suddenly her whole demeanour changed. The subtle confidence she had seemed to disappear, and she shifted nervously in her seat. She seemed so timid now.
“Well,” she began, “as I’ve told you, most of my power was left drained after being trapped as the stone for so long, I used most of what I had left to start all this, and I’ve kept the smallest reserve for what I’m about ask you.” She said softly, her eyes dropping down to stare at the table, her fingers starting to drum on the surface nervously. Jon could tell she was afraid now. He reached out and laid a hand over hers.
“Take your time” he said, giving her a gentle smile.
“Thanks” she replied, returning the expression, “there’s two options from here. One, I use the last of my power to return everyone to normal, make them forget about the last week, and life goes on as it has for everyone involved.” She said, her voice shaking a bit. She definitely seemed scared with this option.
“And the second?” Jon asked squeezing her hand reassuringly.
“The second is that I use my reserves to lock all this in. Everyone assumes their new identities, whilst still keeping the memory of the ways things were, that’s what is making them who they are now. Then, with a little help, I can create a vessel for myself, and I’m finally reborn into the world as a mortal” she said, this time her voice carried a hint of hopefulness.
“And what happens to you in option one?” Jon asked, already hoping his thoughts on the answer were wrong.
“Then my magic is gone and I just fade out of existence” she said sadly, “either way, today is my last day here as this” she said, gesturing at her body with her free hand, the other shaking under Jon’s.
“Why didn’t you just go through with the second option by yourself?” Jon asked.
“Because I wouldn’t feel right just making that decision for myself, I wanted everyone to experience the new possibilities before a choice was made.”
“But why leave the choice to me? Shouldn’t everyone have a say in this?” Jon asked.
“It’s not that simple, if I had the time I would go and explain to everyone what’s happened, but I don’t.” She said quietly.
“Ok,” Jon nodded, “I’m feeling there’s something else to it”
“There is,” Ruby sighed, “everything I’ve done so far has still fallen under the umbrella of your last wish. This is different. I’m still blind by my former limitations, so the outcome needs to be wished for. As my current owner, the task falls to you. I’m sorry” she almost whispered the last two words. Jon sat in silence for a moment, never taking his hand off of hers. He took one more look around at the party, everyone engrossed in what they were doing, none of them paying them any attention.
“So your fate is in my hands then” he said quietly. Ruby nodded sullenly, he couldn’t be sure, but it looked like tears were forming in her eyes. He got to his feet and walked around the table, still holding her hand. He thought back to the start of the week, how he’d been a teenage boy, lonely, longing for something he could never really have. He thought to how things were now. Could he really make it so everyone would stay this way, definitely seeming happier, but with no say in the chance to change back? Surely they should have a chance to live life how they want? He looked down at the nervous looking woman before him. He took a deep breath as he reached his decision.
“Ok” He said as he grasped her hand tightly and pulled her up onto her feet. He looked into her eyes for moment, before pulling her into a tight hug. He could feel her squeezing him, her whole body trembling now. He lifted his head a little and whispered into her ear.
“I wish for Option…”
